Hot Sauce – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is hot sauce?

Hot sauce is made from various types of peppers and was one of the first condiments used to help build flavor in recipes. Whether the base is a mild or hot pepper, the sauce can add a flavorful kick to many dishes. In many early civilizations, hot sauces were used for medicinal purposes to cure ailments such as a sore throat or a stomach ache. While we have since evolved to know that many of these are not as effective as originally thought, hot sauce has become a staple in many kitchens across the world. 

How is a hot sauce made?

Factories use elaborate fermenting, mixing, and cooking systems to make your favorite mass-produced hot sauce. Some of the more popular brands of hot sauce produce over half a million bottles per day. Besides peppers, vinegar and salt are among the common ingredients found in hot sauces. 

If you are looking to make hot sauce, there are a few elements you will want to consider. You’ll need to find the balance of making sure the sauce is not too vinegary, watery, or salty. Recipes can vary, so finding the right one to suit your tastes may take some time.

How spicy can hot sauce be?

Depending on the pepper used for the sauce base, hot sauces can range from mild to extremely spicy. Named after noted scientist Wilbur Scoville, the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) is most commonly used to measure the potency of chili peppers. This is measured by the concentration of capsaicin, a chemical compound found in chili peppers. The lower the SHU number, the less heat the chili has, and the higher the number, the spicier it is.

You may be wondering what you can do to combat the spiciness of some of the more potent hot sauces. The capsaicin compound attaches itself to your taste receptors, making it difficult for the spicy feeling to leave your mouth. Myths to help fight the spiciness include water, beer, and bread, but none of those are effective. Reach for a dairy product instead such as milk or yogurt to help fight the flames.

What peppers are used in hot sauce?

Here are a few of the common peppers used in making hot sauce.

1. Chili pepper

These peppers come in varying colors, sizes, and spice levels. A few common types of chili peppers include tabasco, anaheim, and Thai bird’s eye. Since there is such a variety of these peppers, spice levels may vary between 1,000-10,000 SHUs.

2. Jalapeno pepper

Jalapenos can be found in green, orange, and red colors and are considered one of the more popular peppers. Typically, the more wrinkly the skin, the spicer it can be. The potent pepper can be found fresh or pickled and can register anywhere from 2,500-8,000 SHUs.

3. Habenero pepper

We are stepping up the spice level with this pepper. Habanero, which roughly translates to “from Havanah”, may be smaller than most of the other peppers, but they can be much spicier. Habanero hot sauce can register anywhere from 100,000-350,000 SHUs. After cooking down the pepper, it produces a bit of a fruiter flavor, which adds to its appeal. 

How do you pick hot sauce at a grocery store?

In a typical store, you can sometimes find hundreds of options. Your choice will largely depend on your spice tolerance and your preferred flavor profile. Take a look at the ingredients label to figure out what pepper(s) are used in the sauce.  

You will also want to consider the size of the bottle. If you find your favorite brand or plan on using a lot of hot sauce, opt for the larger bottle for a better value. Or, if you prefer to sample different types of sauce, perhaps reach for the smaller bottles.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for hot sauce via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for hot sauce.

How to store hot sauce

Many mass-produced hot sauces are considered shelf-stable after opening the container. Stored in a dark, cool place, hot sauce can last a bit longer past the “best by” date on the bottle. The high salt and vinegar content helps preserve the hot sauce. 

While the cabinet may be a good place to store hot sauce, you may want to consider refrigerating it. Keeping it in a cold environment can help prevent discoloration and generally prolong the fresh taste. 

How to tell if hot sauce is bad

If you do not finish your hot sauce by the best by date, you still may have a bit of time before it spoils. It may be time to replace the bottle if you start noticing rancid smells or mold in the bottle. In addition, the longer the sauce sits, the less potent the spice and flavors can be.

Lastly, make sure you keep the caps clean on your bottle. A dirty cap can become a breeding ground for bacteria. If you notice the cap looking a bit grungy, rinse or scrub it to remove any excess debris.

What can I substitute for hot sauce?

If you like a bit of tang but without the spice, add a touch of vinegar to your dish. If you just want pure spice, adding dehydrated peppers can give you a kick of heat. Lastly, if you’re seeking more of a savory flavor, add a pinch of salt. 

How to find hot sauce

Hot sauce is one of the most popular condiments in the world. Whether you are looking to add a little or a lot of spice, the hot sauce adds a unique flavor to your dish. You can find many hot sauces for sampling on Instacart. Add a few to your cart today and get them delivered to your house as soon as today!

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